March of the Monsters 

Ross cursed as he threw Susan's sweats down their laundry chute. It was too damn early to get up but Susan was on him to keep his New Year's Resolution. Blue athletic tape covered the bruises on his left ankle. Ross yawned as he made his way downstairs. Outside the lake was winter dark. In the kitchen Susan's note was sitting out on the countertop.


Ross:
The past couple of months have made me question things. When you suggested applying for federal money to help our clinic I was for it initially. If you wouldn't have applied for that grant we wouldn't have been able to put on the addition or give the staff raises. Those classes you taught raised community awareness about the importance of vaccinations...

Susan spoke softly to Pepper as she opened the back of the van. "This is the airstrip Pepper. Ross's dad used to fly when he was younger. You're going to take a trip in an airplane pretty soon. I've flown with Ross and we've flown with other pilots. There's nothing to be afraid of..." a blunt object smashed into the back of Susan's skull. Red droplets fell on the dirty snow. In her cage Pepper chattered angrily.

You're good with Pepper but it's not safe anymore. One or both of us could be killed. We have enough data to continue your research and the money Pepper's owner is offering for her safe return will enable us to offer more classes. I'm just worried about what would happen if Pepper got loose in the neighborhood. We have no idea what a bite of hers could do...

Sleet hit the windshield as Ross backed out of the garage. He drove with one hand on the steering wheel cursing Susan's stupidity. At the airstrip Ross parked on the side of an abandoned shed. It would be an ideal place to stow a body. Icy grime caked a small shed window. Wind bit through his clothing as Ross tried the door.

You know what scientists would do to Pepper if they found out about her. I'm hoping that things work out when I meet her owner. After seeing what she did to your ankle I don't feel that we can keep her any longer. Just so you know we're meeting at the old airstrip on the north side of town. He has a private jet with special accomodations for Pepper...

Susan's first thought on waking was that she was cold. Her eyes opened momentarily before fluttering shut. Silently Ross cursed at the pallor of her face. Blood stained the tip of his glove as he touched a streak on the floor. Outside a shadowy figure pulled a curious looking weapon out. Stuck in her cage Pepper started kicking. Ross closed his eyes as he pulled the door to Pepper's cage open.

I don't know how we would explain Pepper to the repairmen when they come to fix our destroyed basement. That's another thing we have to consider. Pepper is loud. People are going to hear noises. They're going to see delivery trucks and they're going to be curious. All we need is for one nosy reporter to get inside although I suppose Pepper could take care of herself in that situation. Her claws are razor sharp...

There was no mention of a dismembered corpse in the local papers. An unidentified body was discovered floating near a submerged sandbar the following spring. Tattered clothing hung about the skeletal remains. Forensic scientists gathered what clues they could from the victim. They canvassed people who lived in homes near the lake but by that time Ross, Susan and the charred remains of Pepper were long gone

 

P.S. Thanks buddy.